TI embedded SoC MCUs add real-time processing and multimedia capability
The Sitara AM57x processor family become the highest performance devices in this processor platform. Sitara AM57x processors are designed for a broad range of embedded and industrial applications through their heterogeneous architecture including ARM Cortex-A15 cores for high-performance processing and running a high-level operating system (HLOS). AM57x processors integrate TI’s C66x digital signal processors (DSPs) for analytics and real-time computation, programmable real-time units (PRU) and ARM Cortex-M4 cores for control functions, and video and graphic accelerators for advanced user interfaces and multimedia applications.
The device family, says TI, was designed from the ground up with high performance and integration in mind, and delivers claimed performance of more than 40% greater than quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors and 280% greater than standard dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors.
Sitara AM57x processors provide advanced integration of compute, real-time control, connectivity and multimedia capabilities, allowing developers to simplify their designs with a single chip instead of needing multiple chips for each function. This integration is ideal for applications involving industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), factory automation, machine vision, embedded computing, human machine interface (HMI), robotics, medical imaging, and avionics.
– Compute: Developers cn choose between two different types of computing cores, both with one or two ARM Cortex-A15 cores and C66x DSPs that each perform a different task. The multicore architecture provides flexibility by distributing tasks to the right cores while driving system integration and best-in-class performance – all within one chip.
– Control: In addition to the high-performance cores, AM57x processors also include two ARM Cortex-M4 cores and four PRUs (programmable real-time units) to provide ow-latency, real-time control functions for industrial applications such as controlling a motor or monitoring sensors.
– Connectivity: The processors are equipped with an industrial communication subsystem (ICSS) for real-time fieldbus protocols and other industrial communication, and system flexibility with integrated high-speed peripherals such as PCIe, SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB 3.0. These features, along with the high-performance ARM Cortex-A15 cores and DSP, enable AM57x processors to transmit and receive data quicker.
– Multimedia: The devices integrate one or two SGX544 3-D and a GC320 2-D graphic accelerators for advanced graphical user interfaces; a 1080p60 video accelerator and multi-display support for high-definition video playback; and multiple camera inputs for recording events, taking pictures or reading a barcode.
The AM57x processors are powered by a TI power management IC, TPS659037. In addition, the AM57x EVM includes a connector for plugging in one of TI’s WiLink 8 modules, enabling both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
TI also claims new levels of scalability with the pin-compatible AM57x processor family and the all new Processor SDK, calling it, “the first scalable software experience across TI’s Sitara and DSP processor portfolio”. The processor families feature low- to high-end options (AM335x, AM437x and AM57x families) with a common code base so developers do not have to re-learn the software platform. Processor SDK is a unified software platform for TI’s processor portfolio that uses a consistent software foundation including a mainline long term stable (LTS) Linux kernel (with RT-Linux coming later), Linaro tool chain and Yocto Project compatible file system: with a consistent user experience. TI-RTOS support is also available for real-time performance. Simplified development is assisted by programming frameworks such as Khronos OpenCL that allow developers to make use of the DSPs without needing any DSP expertise.
TI has collaborated with BeagleBoard.org to power the new BeagleBoard-X15 with the Sitara AM5728 processor and provide access to a large community of open-source hardware developers. Additional third-party solutions from members of the TI Design Network provide customers validated hardware modules and robust software offerings, such as hardware-accelerated video codecs. Operating systems include Windows Embedded Compact 2013 and Android 5.0 from Adeneo Embedded, RTOS from Mentor Embedded, Green Hills, QNX Software Systems, and Wind River. Prebuilt hardware modules from Ittiam, PHYTEC, D3 Engineering, CompuLab, DAB-EMBEDDED and Z3 Technology are available.
The AM57x evaluation module (EVM) (TMDXEVM5728) is $599. Sitara AM57x TI Designs reference designs are available now.
Texas Instruments; https://www.multivu.com/players/English/70647530-ti-sitara-am57x-processor/
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